Premier League – Preview

While attention will probably focus on the clash between the Leagues’s top sides in the Challenge Cup semi final at Comber the remaining sides can take advantage as all games have a significant bearing on League positions.

Instonians undoubtedly have most to gain in the circumstances as they appear, on paper, to have an easy task at home against bottom club Derriaghy. The Old Boys have impressed with both bat and ball in recent weeks and would climb the table towards North Down if, as I anticipate they pick up full points.

Also in the basement area are CIYMS who travel to Bangor in a game brought forward from September. The youthful Uprichard Park side gave the leaders a run for their money on Monday at The Green and, with home advantage, will be looking to resume winning ways at the expense of CI for whom opener Johnny Hewitt, pictured, will be hoping to make an impact on his return to his old stomping ground.

Cliftonville are also at the wrong end of the table with only 1 win to their credit but they will approach their game with Carrick with some confidence following their encouraging display against Instonians on their last outing. This game will be staged at Middle Road due to Clintonville’s unfortunate nomadic status this season. Carrick were comprehensively beaten by CSNI on Monday and this would appear to be an excellent opportunity for “the visitors” to notch up a much needed victory.

The remaining fixture takes place at Wallace Park where Challenge Cup finalists Waringstown are the visitors. The Villagers will be at full strength and the outcome will probably hinge on the eagerly anticipated battle between Lisburn’s South African “run machine” Gerry Strydom and the formidable Waringstown bowling attack which, of course, includes the Irish international trio of Hall, Kidd and McCallan.
Certainly a contest to savour in a game which the visitors cannot afford to lose and which I find too close to call.